DA employee picked for national post

The Chief of the District Attorney’s Victims Services Division has been picked to advise the military on selecting and training victim advocates, Bonnie Dumanis’ office announced Wednesday.

Cynthia Charlebois will participate in a National Organization for Victim Assistance advisory group that will meet quarterly in Washington, D.C. to review victim-advocate applications, discuss curriculum and train members of the military on how to understand sexual assault and its impacts. Last year, the Defense Department announced it would provide nationally recognized certification for all of the military’s sexual-assault response coordinators and victim advocates.

“I’m honored to be participating in this historic process,” Charlebois said in a statement. “Victim rights in California continue to increase and the San Diego DA’s Office is dedicated to meeting the needs of crime victims through our ongoing, innovative programs. Members of the military should receive the same level of victim services that are available in civilian life.”